Topic sentences and supporting details

A topic sentence is the main idea of a paragraph, usually found at the beginning, that tells what the paragraph is about.

Most of the time, it is the first sentence of the paragraph.

Supporting details are facts, examples, or descriptions that explain or support the main idea in a paragraph.

The main idea is the most important point or concept that the paragraph is trying to convey.

A topic sentence often summarizes the main idea and is usually clear and concise.

Goldfish are bad pets.

She hides under blankets when you turn the microwave on.

She sleeps all day long.

The purpose of a topic sentence is to introduce the main idea of the paragraph.

Topic sentences present the main idea, while supporting details provide evidence or examples to back up that idea.